Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 4/7/2008

Question
Hello.  My name is Kelly, I'm 14, and I tend to get sick a lot.  I get about 5 colds a year, and 2-3 of those turn into serious bacterial infections, where I end up taking a 10 day dose of antibiotics.  Most often, the infections affect my throat, my tonsils, and it is very painful to sing.  A little over a month ago I got bronchitis, tonsilitis, an ear infection, and a sinus infection all rolled into one, and currently, I am experiencing a bad case of strep throat and I was given antibiotics that I have already used, so I'm getting worse.  I get strep throat once or twice a year.  It's been like that for at least 5 years.  The thing is, I want music (singing)to be my career.  Even if it's not broadway.  I still want to be a performer of some sort.  So, I just want your take on the situation.  My doctor said I should probably consider getting my tonsils removed so that I won't get sick as easily?  In the mean time, how much effort should I put into singing, while I'm sick, when I seem to get sick every couple of months?

Answer
Hi Kelly...And thanks for writing.  

Sorry to have taken a little time to get back to you.  I have been in a show and just got back this week.  

I am glad to hear you have been talking to your doctor.  That is very important.  Always talk to your doctor about sickness.  They are the expert in that area.  

As you are sick so much, I would also recommend that your parents help you find a naturopath to go to.  Naturopaths work to help prevent with natural remedies whereas doctors work to help cure something that is already present in the body.  I have had much success using both.  

If your doctor is saying that your tonsils need to be removed, I would get a 2nd opinion first from the naturopath.  And then I would go ahead based on the combined opinions.  

In terms of singing, I really like your attitude.  You are wanting to have a career even if it is not on Broadway.  I like what you are saying.  It means that you are open to what happens.  

I think you can develop your singing even if you get sick often.  What I would do is take lessons to develop your technique from a vocal coach.  Let them know that you get sick often.  

If you have a cold, drink lots of water.  The best thing for you is hot lemon with honey.  Keep your palette wet.  But instead of singing or practicing for an hour, try to just do 15 minutes.  

If you have a more serious throat infection, it is really important that you don't sing at all.  If you push your throat and cords too much, you can cause permanent damage to them.  

Does that help you?

Wanda